#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services wishes to update the public on matter related to illegal migrants.
During the early morning
of Sunday April 5, 2020, a vessel with forty-four (44) illegal migrants (thirty-eight
(38) males and six (6) females) was intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos
Islands Police Force through the detection of the Coastal Radar. They have been
taken into detention and processed by Immigration and Medical personnel and
declared fit to travel.
We are extremely pleased
to inform the public that permission was sought and granted yesterday to repatriate
all of our detainees of the various illegal vessels. Hence, those who were
caught early this morning will join the one hundred and eighty-one (181)
Haitian Nationals who were held at our Detention Centers due to interception by
the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch and the
Immigration Department Enforcement Unit from the various landings. All
detainees were screened and cleared for repatriation as no one was displaying
or complaining of any CONVID-19 symptoms as was confirmed by our Medical Team.
Today, Sunday, April 05th
2020 at about 9:00 a.m. all two hundred twenty-five (225) detainees began to be
repatriated to Cap Haitian via charters on our two main airlines namely Caicos
Express and Inter-Caribbean Airlines.
Hon.
Vaden Williams, Minister of Immigration,
Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services stated: “It’s
my aim to have all of our illegal detainees repatriated today. This is an
expensive task but one that must be taken in order to protect the lives of our
people.
“Soon
you will hear of measures being put into place to protect these islands and its
people. Measures such as but not limited to:- time limits on work permits; the
closing down of first time work permits; enforcement operations and rids
crafted to rid these island of illegal migrants”. He
went on to say: “The time has come when we must ask if certain Consuls are welcome here!
I have had enough of this illegal problem and vessels landings and I am sure
the people as well. So note if anyone found with illegal immigrants whether at
their residence, personal vehicles or place of work, shall be persecuted to the
fullest extent of the law and those who are on work permits or other permits,
recommendations shall be made for these status to be revoked.”
Hon. Williams further stated: “I ask you the people to remain
calm and report any suspicious movement to 911.My Officers are out there and
doing a great job and I say thanks to all of them. I ask our people to support
them where you can, as we work together to clean our country and keep our
people safe and healthy”.
In addition, the Border
Control Detention Centre is the main holding facility and currently is also holding
twenty-eight (28) Sri Lankan Nationals and one (1) Indian National, awaiting
repatriation which has been delayed due to COVID- 19 worldwide travel restrictions.
The continued illegal
vessel landings and repatriation has again costs the Turks and Caicos Islands
Government in excess of US$2.5 million from the Immigration Department alone
during the last Financial Year 2019/2020. This does not take into consideration
the human and other agencies costs aligned with illegal migration.
The Enforcement agencies
of the Turks and Caicos Islands are again asking anyone with information
concerning planned and landed arrival of other vessels, poachers and any
suspicious movements of persons to contact the Police anonymously on 911 or
Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can be submitted anonymously in
English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime
Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
The public is also reminded
that it is an offence to harbour illegal persons and that persons found guilty
engaging in such activities are liable to a fine of US$20,000 or a term of
imprisonment of four years, or both in accordance with the Immigration
Ordinance 2018 or any law. The public is
also reminded that assisting illegal entry is a criminal offence and persons
found engaging in such activities will receive the full extent of the law.
Through this medium the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services wishes to thank all Agencies who worked alongside them to ensure this repatriation took place. This include but not limited to the Governor’s Office; Office of the Premier and Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Health and Tourism; the Airlines; Ministry of Immigration Staff; the Haitian Government and all others including the general public.
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Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – The Integrity Commission advises that the Register of Interests for Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023 has been completed. Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.
The Commission would, therefore, like to inform members of the public that, it is has compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2023 for the Members of the House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023.
The Register of Interests 2023 is now available for public inspection at the following locations:
⦁ House of Assembly in Grand Turk
⦁ Office of the Premier – Grand Turk and Providenciales
⦁ Office of the Integrity Commission – Grand Turk and Providenciales (during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.)
⦁ Office of the District Commissioner – Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and 1 South Caicos.
The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.
For further information or any assistance please contact the Integrity Commission: By telephone at: 946-1941(Grand Turk Office) or 941-7847 (Providenciales Office)
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – On this World First Aid Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is proud to honor over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers. Our dedicated volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.
Today, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain. The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework. At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society.
In 2024, World First Aid Day casts a spotlight on the vital nexus of first aid and sports—a domain where passion and precaution coexist. As we embrace the spirit of athleticism that pushes human boundaries and fosters unity, we also recognize the inherent risks involved. Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike. It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of our sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality, unmarred by preventable injuries.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is dedicated to promoting first aid education and practices, ensuring that the exhilarating world of sports remains a safe space for all. Join us in observing World First Aid Day and in championing the cause of first aid readiness in every walk of life
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department’s Vector Control Unit, Mr Deon Wilson and Mr Hilton Robinson, recently participated in a specialised Pest Control Machine Calibration and Maintenance Workshop held in the Cayman Islands from August 27 to 29, 2024. The training, organised and facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), aimed to strengthen the capacity of vector control staff across CARPHA Member States.
The workshop focused on the calibration and maintenance of vector control equipment, a critical component in the effective management of mosquito and other pest populations. Participants were trained to enhance their competencies in calibrating both Ultra Low Volume (ULV) and thermal fogging equipment, vital tools in the fight against vector-borne diseases.
Key topics covered in the workshop included:
The biology, species identification, and habitat of medically important vector species.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vector control.
Principles of adulticiding, including the application of adulticides to control adult mosquito populations.
An overview of ULV and thermal fogging equipment, with hands-on training in maintenance and calibration.
Best practices for pesticide usage, including application techniques, mixology, safe storage, and proper disposal of chemicals.
This comprehensive training opportunity will equip the Vector Control Unit with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain vector control operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enhanced expertise gained will contribute to more efficient pest management practices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.
The Minister of Health and Human Services commented on the training, “We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. By investing in the development of our Vector Control Unit, we ensure that our team is well-prepared to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. This training provided by CARPHA is a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain critical skills in the calibration and maintenance of essential equipment, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to pest-related health risks.” The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to prioritise the professional development of its staff to maintain the highest standards of public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at email: ehd@gov.tc or Tel: 1-649-338-2143/44. For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.